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Canes' Boychuk Gets Waived

Analysis:Zach Boychuk's removal from the roster seemingly suggests that either Alexander Semin or Andrej Nestrasil is now healthy enough to claim a regular spot in the Carolina lineup. With just six points in 31 games this season, Boychuk isn't likely to garner much interest elsewhere.

Canes' Boychuk Rides Pine Vs. Devils

News:Zach Boychuk was a healthy scratch for Monday's 2-1 loss to the Devils. He sat in favour of Chris Terry, who was recalled from AHL Charlotte earlier in the day following a conditioning stint.

Analysis: The writing was on the wall for Zach Boychuk, who skated a season-low 4:49 against the Red Wings on Sunday. Boychuk has not registered a point since scoring a goal Nov. 10 against the Flames, and has just five points in 21 games on the season. He should not be on anyone's fantasy roster right now.

Boychuk Helps Canes Douse Flames

News:Zach Boychuk scored his third goal of the season during Monday's 4-1 win over Calgary. He now has five points in 12 games so far this year.

Analysis: As a checking-line winger, Zach Boychuk doesn't see a ton of ice time (averaging just 12 minutes per game), but lately he's making the most of what little he gets. He's worth a pickup in deeper formats.

Canes' Boychuk Sparkles In Season Debut

News:Zach Boychuk picked up a goal and an assist despite playing just 9:25 in his season debut Tuesday against Buffalo.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk and Chris Terry combined to lead the 'Canes on a comeback, as Boychuk helped out on Terry's goal that made it 3-2 at 12:11 of the third period, then scored himself from Terry in the final two minutes to tie the game. Now 25 years old, Boychuk's been jerked around by the Hurricanes for years, so we're going to need to see him carve out a bigger role to recommend he be rolled out in fantasy lineups.

Canes Recall Boychuk From AHL

Analysis:Zach Boychuk appeared in 11 games for the Hurricanes last season, tallying four points (one goal) with a plus-one overall rating. The 25-year-old was the top goal-scorer in the AHL last season, but it's hard to see him holding significant fantasy value right away.

Hurricanes Place Boychuk On Waivers

Analysis:Zach Boychuk was given a chance to compete for a roster spot during training camp, but he did not do enough to make the cut. Boychuk tallied 78 points in 80 games split between the Hurricanes and AHL Charlotte last season, so he could garner some interest on waivers. If he is not claimed, he will head to Charlotte to open the season.

Canes' Boychuk Enjoying Scoring Role In Preseason

News:Zach Boychuk will skate on the top line with Jordan Staal and Jiri Tlusty during Tuesday's preseason game against the Sabres, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Analysis: At first glance, Zach Boychuk seems an unlikely candidate for a full time role with the Canes at this stage in his career, given that he has bounced back and forth between the NHL and AHL over the past six seasons. That said, he did score 74 points in 69 games last season with the Charlotte Checkers, so it looks like the Canes are giving him a long look in a scoring role during training camp and preseason. However, even if he does crack the roster, it's more likely to be as a member of the third or fourth line.

Canes Re-Sign Boychuk

Analysis:Zach Boychuk played in just 11 games with the Canes last season, but had an impressive year with AHL Charlotte, totaling 74 points (36 goals) over 69 contests. The 24-year-old was claimed off waivers from Nashville in 2012-13, and will gear up for his second full season in the Canes' organization.

Canes' Boychuk Reassigned To AHL Charlotte

Analysis:Zach Boychuk has bounced between the two teams throughout the year, and was called up to play in a game on Friday night. The news of him being sent back down probably speaks to the availability of Nathan Gerbe on Saturday.

Hurricanes Recall Boychuk

Analysis:Zach Boychuk will return to the Hurricanes a week after being sent down to Charlotte. He will provide some depth for the Hurricanes with fellow forward Nathan Gerbe dealing with an upper-body injury.

Hurricanes Assign Boychuk To AHL Charlotte

Analysis:Zach Boychuk was called up earlier in the week to provide some forward depth, but he will head back to Charlotte with a couple injured Hurricanes forwards likely to return for the team's next game Saturday.

Hurricanes Recall Boychuk

Analysis: With both Drayson Bowman and Alexander Semin dealing with illnesses, Zach Boychuk would seem to have a good chance at stepping into the lineup Thursday against the Stars. However, Boychuk will likely be returned to Charlotte in swift fashion once either player recovers.

Hurricanes Reassign Boychuk

Analysis:Zach Boychuk had a two-point showing in Thursday's win over the Maple Leafs, but he was no longer needed with Riley Nash (lower body) returning from IR. The 24-year-old showed some encouraging play while with the parent club and should get another opportunity later this season.

Boychuk Tallies Two Points For 'Canes

News:Zach Boychuk contributed a goal and an assist to Thursday's 6-1 win over the Leafs.

Analysis: The two-point night was good enough to double his NHL point total on the season, as Zach Boychuk now boasts four points and a plus-3 rating in eight games with the 'Canes. Always a big producer in the AHL, Boychuk's never been able to translate that scoring to the NHL level on a consistent basis, but it's worth noting that his 13:16 of ice time Thursday was a season high.

Canes' Boychuk Contributes In Win Over Habs

News:Zach Boychuk posted an assist to help the Hurricanes beat the Canadiens 5-4 in overtime Tuesday. It was his first point in three games since being recalled from AHL Charlotte last week.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk figures to be in the lineup for the next couple of weeks while Jiri Tlusty recovers from the emergency appendectomy he underwent last week. For now, Boychuk continues to skate on the Canes' fourth line alongside Manny Malhotra and Radek Dvorak, giving him fantasy value in very deep formats only.

Hurricanes Recall Boychuk

Analysis:Zach Boychuk, who appeared in one game with the Hurricanes earlier this season, was brought up to replace Jiri Tlusty (appendix) on the active roster. Boychuk has played well with Charlotte this season, posting 14 goals and 13 assists in 29 games.

Boychuk Grabs Assist In Canes Debut

News:Zach Boychuk played 7:53 and assisted on one of Carolina's five goals in Friday's win over San Jose, his season debut for the Hurricanes. He played on the left wing rather than his usual defense spot.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk was recalled on Friday morning from Charlotte (AHL) in the wake of injuries to Patrick Dwyer and Drayson Bowman. Boychuk skated on the wing rather than the blue line and didn't see much ice time.

Canes Recall Boychuk

Analysis:Zach Boychuk earned the promotion after scoring seven goals in the last nine games for Charlotte. He'll most likely occupy a fourth-line role or serve as a healthy scratch while with the Hurricanes. Mike Komisarek was placed on injured reserve to create room for Boychuk.

Hurricanes Waive Boychuk

News: The Hurricanes placed Zach Boychuk on waivers Sunday, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.

Analysis: This comes as something of a surprise, as Zach Boychuk had a good training camp and preseason, scoring two goals in a team scrimmage and then another in a preseason game against Buffalo. He will open the season at AHL Charlotte if he is not picked up by another team via the waiver process.

Hurricanes' Boychuk Looking To Prove Himself

News:Zach Boychuk scored a pair of goals during the Hurricanes' annual "Red & White" team scrimmage Saturday, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.

Analysis: It's certainly a good start for Zach Boychuk, Carolina's first-round draft pick in 2008. Boychuck saw time with three different teams last season - Hurricanes, Penguins and Predators - after being put on waivers three times. He registered zero points in just seven games and finished the season with AHL Charlotte. With just 13 NHL games under his belt over the past three seasos, Boychuk still has a long way to go to prove he belongs in the big leagues.

Hurricanes Send Boychuk to AHL

Analysis: Given how much he has bounced around the league lately, landing on his third team of the season and getting sent to the AHL shortly after, Zach Boychuk is not likely to get on the fantasy radar in the near future.

Predators Place Boychuk On Waivers

Analysis: The Predators claimed Zach Boychuk off waivers from the Penguins earlier in the month, but he did not do enough in his brief stint with the team to stick around for the time being. Boychuk will be assigned to AHL Milwaukee unless claimed by another squad.

Preds' New Addition Boychuk Looking At Possible Top-Six Role

News:Zach Boychuk skated on a line with Mike Fisher and Patric Hornqvist during practice Wednesday and is likely to play Friday against Edmonton, reports the Tennessean.

Analysis: The Preds, who have scored just a single goal in each of their last three games - all losses - are looking to jump-start their offense with some new additions to the lineup. However, Zach Boychuk seems like an unlikely source for additional firepower, having scored a combined 18 points in 63 games over the past five seasons. Don't get your hopes up, folks.

Predators Claim Boychuk

News:Zach Boychuk has been claimed on waivers by the Predators, TSN's Darren Dreger reports.

Analysis: The Penguins had originally picked up Zach Boychuk off of waivers on Jan. 31 as a potential left winger for Evgeni Malkin, but ultimately he was sent packing by the team when a roster spot was needed for the return of Malkin from his recent concussion. Carolina was said to be hopeful that the 2008 first-rounder would land in their court via waivers, but the Preds snapped him up instead. In eight NHL games to date this season, Boychuk has yet to record a point.

Penguins' Boychuk Placed On Waivers

Analysis:Zach Boychuk was claimed off of waivers January 31 to play alongside forward Evgeni Malkin on the team's second line. After not scoring a single point in seven games, Boychuk found himself being scratched from most of the team's games. Boychuk was placed on waivers to make room for Malkin, who passed his concussion tests Monday.

Pens' Boychuk Falls To Fourth Line Wednesday

News:Zach Boychuk saw his grip on the second line slip Wednesday, with Matt Cooke having success while lining up next to Evgeni Malkin and James Neal.

Analysis: The Penguins would like to keep him around and let him develop -- they moved one of his competitors, Eric Tangradi, to Winnipeg in a trade Wednesday. Zach Boychuk was dropped to the fourth line against the Senators. He'll likely see intermittent time on Malkin's line going forward, but the team figures to trade for a top-six winger and/or promote Beau Bennett prior to the trade deadline.

Pens' Boychuk To Sit Sunday?

News:Zach Boychuk could serve as a healthy scratch Sunday after going pointless in his fifth straight game against the Devils on Saturday.

Analysis: He's shown good speed but a lack of finishing ability. The Pens kept their lineup the same during a five-game winning streak. Now that they've lost a game, don't be surprised if Zach Boychuk finds himself benched.

Pens' Boychuk Not Finding Scoresheet

News:Zach Boychuk is still looking for his first point after three games with the Penguins.

Analysis: He's skated exclusively at even strength, mostly with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. Even though Zach Boychuk isn't scoring, his speed opens up the ice for the big guns. His presence seems to have solidified the team's four lines -- the Pens have won all three times he's been in the starting lineup. Boychuk's a work in progress, so his short-term fantasy value probably isn't very great, although Malkin is due for a breakout game sooner or later and could take Boychuk along for the ride.

Boychuk Could See Time With Malkin

News: After being claimed earlier Thursday, Pens' coach Dan Bylsma said that Zach Boychuk could get work on Evgeni Malkin's line.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk has just seven goals and 18 points in 73 career NHL games, but the Penguins are desperately looking for an injection of energy. He's put up 32 points (16G, 16A) in 37 AHL games for 2012-13. It might be a long shot to think he could slide right into the Pens' No. 2 line, but there's so little risk involved that he might be worth a waiver pickup.

Penguins Claim Boychuk Off Waivers From Hurricanes

Analysis:Zach Boychuk failed to earn a regular spot in the Hurricanes' lineup at any point in his five seasons with the team, but a change of scenery could be just what the former first-rounder needs to get his career on track. It's unlikely that Boychuk will play a key role for the Penguins in the near future, but he still has time to develop at just 23 years old.

Hurricanes Place Boychuk On Waivers

Analysis:Zach Boychuk will be assigned to AHL Charlotte if he is not claimed by another team before noon on Thursday. The center recorded 16 goals and 16 assists in 37 games earlier this season for Charlotte, but only played one game for the Hurricanes after being called up, and failed to crack the score sheet.

Carolina's Boychuck Makes NHL Roster

News:Zach Boychuk has made Carolina's final NHL roster and will begin the season skating on a line with Eric Staal, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk was leading Charlotte of the AHL in scoring with 16 goals and 32 points in 37 games before he was recalled for training camp. He should have a big role on the team to begin the season.

Carolina's Boychuck Skates On Top Line

News:Zach Boychuk played on a line with Alexander Semin and Eric Staal during Tuesday's scrimmage, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk was leading Charlotte of the AHL in scoring with 16 goals and 32 points in 37 games before he was recalled for training camp. It looks like begin the season in the NHL and have a prominent role.

Boychuk Off To Hot Start For Checkers

News: In a 3-3 shootout loss to the Texas Stars on Sunday, Zach Boychuk scored the opening goal and assisted on the other two. The former first-round pick has registered a goal and three assists in the opening two games.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft, has yet to establish himself in the NHL. The Hurricanes have a stockpile of talented forwards, but if Boychuck continues to play well, he could have a shot at making the team.

Carolina Signs Boychuk

News:Zach Boychuk signed a one-year, two-way deal with Carolina on Tuesday, Hurricanes.NHL.com reports.

Analysis: With just two points in 16 NHL appearances last year, Zach Boychuk hasn't given much reason to believe he'll be a fantasy factor in the near future. However, as a first-round draft choice in 2008, there's a little bit of upside, but his 44 points in 64 AHL games last season isn't exactly off the charts either.

Hurricanes Reassign Boychuk To Charlotte

News: The Hurricanes have reassigned Zach Boychuk to Charlotte of the AHL according to a team release.

Analysis: It was a short second stint in the NHL for Zach Boychuk this time as he played in just three games before heading back. In 16 games with the Hurricanes, he has just two assists to his credit. However, he ranks second among Charlotte skaters in goals (14) and third in points (32), skating in 45 games on the AHL level this season, so you can probably expect him to return if the Canes need a replacement at some point.

Hurricanes Recall Boychuk

News: The Hurricanes recalled Zach Boychuk from AHL Charlotte on Tuesday, according to the team's official Twitter page.

Analysis:Zach Boychuk will take the roster spot of Zac Dalpe (lower body), who was placed on injured reserve. Boychuk totaled six points (4G, 2A) in seven games with Charlotte this season, but it's highly unlikely he will see enough ice time to come close to that scoring pace with the Hurricanes.

Carolina Sends Boychuk To Charlotte

News: Carolina has assigned Zach Boychuk to AHL Charlotte, the team's official site reports.

Analysis: This is not the last time we will hear about Zach Boychuk this year. The young center is still a well thought of prospect in the Hurricanes organization and could be used as trade bait at the trade deadline or could be called up to fill in for injured players.

Canes' Boychuk To See Back Of Rotation Saturday

News: Boychuk is expected to open Saturday's game against the Thrashers on the fourth line, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Analysis: Boychuk is a big-name prospect getting NHL ice time in the wake of a lower-body injury to Jussi Jokinen. He has tremendous upside in handling the puck, so remember Boychuk's name for future fantasy campaigns.

Carolina Assigns Boychuk To AHL

News: Boychuk was assigned to the AHL on Thursday, NHL.com reports.

Analysis: Boychuk hasn't been super-consistent, but his seven points this year indicate a good amount of promise. He scored a goal Wednesday and posted an assist Monday, so he ended this stint on a high note.

Canes' Boychuk Recalled From AHL

News: Boychuk has been recalled from AHL Charlotte on an emergency basis, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Analysis: This is the second recall of the season for Boychuk, who posted a hat trick and an assist for his minor league team Sunday. According to the Raleigh N&O, he could take the place of Patrick Dwyer in Carolina's lineup.

Boychuk Demoted By Carolina

Analysis: Boychuk, who scored three goals and two assists in 16 games since his Dec. 17 recall, had been lighting it up at the AHL level (32 points in 28 games) and seems destined for another recall when Carolina is looking for a spark up front.

Canes' Boychuk Making Noise In NHL

News: Boychuk lit the lamp for the third time in eight games, but the Hurricanes still lost to the Panthers on Monday, 4-3 in overtime.

Analysis: Boychuk, a highly touted prospect, failed to make the team out of training camp, but now he is making a case to stay in the majors even when Jiri Tlusty (upper body) is healthy enough to return.

Canes To Recall Boychuk

News: Carolina will recall Boychuk from AHL Charlotte on Friday, the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Analysis: Boychuk is second in the AHL in scoring with 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 28 games and will replace Jiri Tlusty, who is out one to two weeks with an upper-body injury. Look for Boychuk to play left wing on Carolina's third or fourth line.

Canes' Boychuk Dominating AHL Play

News: Boychuk, a Hurricanes' prospect playing in the AHL, has 32 points (10 G, 22 A) in 28 games as a member of the Charlotte Checkers.

Analysis: "I'm down here trying to give everything I can to this team and make myself a better player and have more confidence, so that when I do have that opportunity I can take advantage of it," Boychuk said, in a report by the Raleigh News & Observer. "Hopefully they can make some room for us somehow. Hopefully we can go up and impress." Boychuk may already be NHL ready, but the Hurricanes are well stocked with depth at his forward position. By keeping him in the minors, Boychuk gets to polish his game and play often, which figures to be a boon to his development.

Canes' Boychuk: Excelling in the Minors

News: Boychuk, a prospect of the Hurricanes, is averaging a point per game in the minors.

Analysis: Boychuk failed to make the Hurricanes out of training camp, but he's leading the Charlotte Checkers with 15 points (6G, 9A) in as many games. His future is bright, it's just that the 'Canes are loaded with talented young forwards for the time being.

Canes' Boychuk Assigned To Charlotte

News: The Hurricanes have sent Boychuk to AHL Charlotte, the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Boychuk is now in an interesting situation as he was unable to make the parent club out of training camp, yet as one of the team's top prospects, he may be too good for a lengthy stay in the minors. Certainly, Boychuk should breeze through the AHL, where he contributed 36 points (15 G, 21 A) in 54 games last year with the Albany River Rats.

Boychuk scores goal, demoted

News: The Carolina Hurricanes have sent forwards Zach Boychuk and Steven Goertzen along with goaltender Justin Peters to Albany of the American Hockey league. Team president Jim Rutherford announced the moves Sunday.

Analysis: Boychuk scored his first NHL goal on Saturday against the Devils' Martin Brodeur after being recalled from Albany. He is one of the Hurricanes' top prospects and could be back down the stretch, especially if Carolina goes into selling mode. However, Boychuk is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice.

Boychuk scores first NHL goal

News: Carolina C Zach Boychuk scored his first NHL goal on Saturday night during a 5-2 win over the Devils. After the game, however, he was reassigned to Albany of the AHL. He had been called up earlier in the same day.

Analysis: With the Olympic break coming up, Boychuk was sent back down to keep playing while the teams are on layoff. Boychuk remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until he gets a permanent role with Carolina.

Hurricanes recall Z. Boychuk

Analysis: With the Olympic break coming up, Boychuk will likely be heading right back to the AHL on Sunday or Monday so he can play during the NHL's two weeks off. Boychuk remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until he gets a permanent role with Carolina.

Carolina has no room for Boychuk

News: The Hurricanes reassigned C Zach Boychuk to Albany of the AHL on Sunday. Boychuk recalled on Friday had two assists in two games over the weekend.

Analysis: Even though Boychuk played well over the weekend, Carolina is expected to get some of its injured forwards back, so Boychuk has been shipped off to the minors. Boychuk is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until he gets a permanent role with Carolina.

Boychuk recalled on Friday

News: The Carolina Hurricanes placed forward Chad LaRose on injured reserve Friday and called up two players from their AHL affiliate in Albany. LaRose suffered an upper body injury during a 4-2 win against Chicago on Jan. 30, the team said, and did not travel with Carolina on its four-game road trip. Carolina brought up goaltender Justin Peters and forward Zach Boychuk from Albany.

Analysis: The Hurricanes picked Boychuk with the 14th overall selection in 2008, and called him up for the fourth time this season. The 20-year-old has one assist in nine games. Boychuk is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until he gets a permanent role with Carolina.

Boychuk, Tlusty sent back to AHL

Analysis: The pair of prospects were only up for a couple of days on this trip. Boychuk is a top prospect who has 24 points in 34 games as he embarks on his first AHL season. He remains a quality keeper option. Tlusty is a lesser prospect, but also has keeper value.

Boychuk, Tlusty recalled

Analysis: Boychuk is a top prospect who has 24 points in 34 games as he embarks on his first AHL season. He remains a quality keeper option, but shouldn't be picked up in seasonal formats until he starts to see consistent ice time in Raleigh. Tlusty is a lesser prospect, but also has keeper value.

Boychuk sent back to AHL

News: The Hurricanes have sent center Zach Boychuk back to Albany of the AHL on Sunday. He had been called up since Ray Whitney was injured.

Analysis: Boychuk might not spend a lot time in the minors since Carolina is a little beat up. He had one assist in two games since his recall from the minors. Boychuk is one of the Hurricanes top prospects, but is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.

Canes bring up Boychuk from AHL

Analysis: Boychuk, the 14th overall pick in 2008, has nine points in 12 games in the AHL this season and is a solid prospect. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper for now, but owners in deeper leagues should watch his minutes over the first few games as the Hurricanes have lost 10 games in a row and could be desperate for any kind of spark.

'Canes have no room for Boychuk

News: The Hurricanes assigned center Zach Boychuk to Albany of the AHL on Friday. Boychuk had one assist and a minus-3 rating in two preseason games.

Analysis: We are not surprised to see Boychuk begin the season in the minors. Carolina has a pretty veteran lineup and that will allow Boychuk to hone his skills in the minors. The 2008 first-round pick is one of the Hurricanes' prize prospects, but he remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.

Boychuk's ankle still hurting

News: Hurricanes center prospect Zach Boychuk hasn't fully recovered from an ankle sprain suffered playing for Canada in the World Junior Championships. He has played just one game for his junior club -- Lethbridge -- since returning from winning gold at the WJC. He tallied an assist in his lone game, but Lethbridge officials said they will take it slow with the young forward and let his high ankle sprain heal.

Analysis: Boychuk hurt his wrist during training camp with the Hurricanes and got only a two-game tryout before being sent back to his junior club. The 14th overall pick in 2008 has 12 goals and 15 assists in 22 games for Lethbridge. The fact he is starting to get a bit injury prone is never a good sign. However, Boychuk is a developing talent and worth a look in long-term Fantasy keeper leagues.

Boychuk sent back to juniors

News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports the Hurricanes have sent 2008 first-round pick C Zach Boychuk back to his junior team in the WHL. He is now ineligible to return to the NHL or get sent to the AHL until his WHL season is over.

Analysis: This move was simply to ensure that the clock wouldn't start on Boychuk's contract. Feel free to release him in seasonal formats, but the 14th overall pick remains a solid long-term Fantasy keeper.

Boychuk makes NHL debut

News: Hurricanes rookie C Zach Boychuk made his NHL debut during Friday's 4-3 loss to the Kings. Boychuk had been sidelined since the preseason following wrist surgery. He didn't have a point in 9:21 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He didn't take a shot on net.

Analysis: Boychuk might play a bit early this season with the Hurricanes' injury problems, but he might see more time in the AHL or end up back in junior hockey this season so Carolina can save a year on his contract. Continue to ignore him in seasonal formats, but he remains a decent long-term keeper.

Boychuk close to practicing

News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Zach Boychuk could be ready to return to the ice for full-contact practice Tuesday after recent wrist surgery. He was Carolina's first-round draft pick in June.

Analysis: Boychuk might play a bit early this season with the Hurricanes' injury problems, but he might see more time in the AHL or back in junior hockey this season. Continue to ignore him in seasonal formats, but he remains a decent long-term keeper.

Boychuk back practicing

News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes C Zach Boychuk, the team's first overall pick in the 2008 draft, practiced Thursday but did not do any contact work.

Analysis: Boychuk might play a bit early this season with the Hurricanes' injury problems, but he might see more time in the AHL than the NHL. Continue to ignore him in seasonal formats, but he remains a decent long-term keeper.

Boychuk gets three-year deal

News: The Carolina Hurricanes signed first-round draft pick Zach Boychuk to a three-year entry contract worth more than $2.6 million at the NHL level. The Hurricanes took the 19-year-old center with the 14th overall pick in the June draft after he led the Lethbridge Hurricanes to a Western Hockey League conference title.

Analysis: Boychuk was Carolina's first-round pick earlier this year and isn't expected to contribute in the NHL this season. Ignore him in all drafts. It does not appear that his wrist injury will be a major issue as the team is clearly committing to him.

With pin removed, Boychuk practices

News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes C Zach Boychuk, who had a pin removed from his wrist on Tuesday, practiced Thursday but won't play in Carolina's preseason game against the Predators.

Analysis: Boychuk was Carolina's first-round pick earlier this year and isn't expected to contribute in the NHL this season. Ignore him in all drafts.

Boychuk's wrist healing quickly

News: The News and Observer reports that Hurricanes C Zach Boychuk has been medically cleared to practice fully after his surgically repaired wrist healed quicker than expected. "I wasn't expecting to even be stick-handling until the beginning of October, so this is definitely a couple of weeks in advance, which is nice," Boychuk said after the practice. "I found out that the bone is pretty much fully healed. I won't be playing full contact for two weeks but I'll be able to go out there and stick-handle and work on my shot for once this summer."

Analysis: Boychuk was Carolina's first-round pick earlier this year and isn't expected to contribute in the NHL this season. Ignore him in all drafts.